Q-Burns Abstract Message – Feng Shui

Q-Burns Abstract Message delivers his debut, FENG SHUI, a strong dose of psych-funk house. "He's a Skull" gets the groove going early, and as with most of his work, the tracks continually morph. The spoken word and funk bass of "Feel," for instance, change keys nearly halfway through. And although his upbeat tracks are perfectly fine -- the ethnic tinges of "New Patterns"; the perky title track; -- he's much better when he tries to establish a mood. The melodic "Jennifer," for instance, boosted by vocals by Gus Gus' Daníel Ágúst, is sweet and romantic, while "Kinda Picky" brings out the soul. Daníel Ágúst returns for the delicate "Á.s.t.," while "There Must Be Something..." goes for noir-tinged funk. The moody house thump of "Leela" is similarly good, but "Talking Box" ends the album on an upbeat, if ultimately dull, note. Some definite high points here.